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Press Release

1/21/2014

Contact: Chris Cate(850) 413- 2842

TALLAHASSEE- CFO Jeff Atwater today announced the arrest of Miguel and Francheska Quintero of Hollywood for insurance fraud after Quintero falsely claimed that his vehicle was stolen from his home last July. A subsequent investigation by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud revealed that Quintero and his wife arranged for the vehicle to be removed from the residence while they were away, after which they reported it stolen and filed a fraudulent stolen vehicle insurance claim.

“Committing fraud is an unacceptable and harmful act that drives up the cost of insurance for all Floridians,” said CFO Atwater. “I am proud of our investigative team’s effort to stop the fraudsters who lie and cheat the system.”

A statement given by the Quintero’s next door neighbor revealed that two men were working on and attempting to start Quintero’s vehicle on the day of the theft. He spoke with the two men and contacted Quintero by phone to alert him. Quintero shared that he was aware of the activity and attempted to dissuade his neighbor from talking to the authorities by saying, “you don’t know anything about this.” The neighbor confirmed witnessing the two men successfully jumpstart the vehicle and drive it away.

Miguel Quintero reported to Hollywood police that his 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe was unlawfully removed from his Hollywood home. Quintero advised police that he left his vehicle locked and parked at his residence on the day of the alleged incident. The following day, Quintero’s wife filed a stolen vehicle report with Geico insurance.

Prior to the defendant initiating the police report, a Doral Police officer noticed an abandoned vehicle parked off of the side of the road, and research revealed that the vehicle, a 2011 Chevy Tahoe, belonged to Quintero.

Francheska and Miguel Quintero were arrested and transported to the Broward County Jail without incident. At the time of the theft the couple owed $35,173 on their loan. It was confirmed that they were three months late on their car payments at the time of the vehicle theft.

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Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government; reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses and providing transparency and accountability in state spending.